Page 69 of Deadly Waves

Twenty-One

“Didyou see where Tabitha went?”

Sophie met Mandy and Ally near the dessert table thirty minutes later. By tacit agreement, the women decided to let her cool down before approaching her separate from the men. Mandy also wanted to finish shoveling seafood into her mouth, but no one outwardly commented on that. For her part, Emma begged off regarding the adventure. She wasn’t nearly as keen to question a potentially traumatized teenager as the rest of the group.

“No, but we’ll find her,” Mandy said.

“I can’t believe Emma didn’t want to come,” Ally complained. “This is like the only time the guys have given us a sanctioned mission and she’s missing it.”

Sophie made a dubious face. “You watch way too much television. A sanctioned mission?”

“Netflix has Alias,” Ally replied, shrugging. “I think I would make an awesome Sydney Bristow.”

Mandy barked out a laugh, love for her friend warming her heart. She’d missed spending time with her over the past few weeks. That would change once they got home. James would remain her focus, but knew she would be able to branch out more easily now. She felt … lighter.

“Emma doesn’t want to question Tabitha because she’s afraid the worst possible scenario will come true,” Mandy explained. “That’s hitting too close to home for her.”

“What’s the worst possible scenario?” Ally asked.

“Think about it,” Sophie prodded. “Peterson has a history of sleeping with his students. Sure, it technically might’ve been consensual, but Tabitha isn’t old enough to consent under the law. That means it’s rape if he’s done something with her.”

“Oh,” Ally intoned, realization dawning. “I didn’t think about that. Oh, wow.”

“Yeah,” Mandy said. “After seeing Tabitha’s reaction, I’m not sure what I believe. She seemed adamant that Peterson was a good man. Maybe he really was a good teacher and she thinks he’s being railroaded.”

“I got the exact opposite feeling from her,” Sophie said. “I think she knows that Peterson is a bad man but has convinced herself that he’s good so she can rationalize what’s happening.”

“Some people might think you’re cynical,” Mandy said.

“Some people might be right,” Sophie conceded. “What do you think?”

“I honestly have no idea,” Mandy said, shrugging. “I want to find out, though. How about we take a quick trip out to the deck and see if we can find Tabitha? Even if she’s not a victim, she’ll probably end up hurt in all of this.”

“I’m surprised you care so much about her feelings,” Sophie admitted. “After what she said to you … .”

“What did she say?” Mandy challenged. “She was curious. She’s sixteen. When you’re that age, it’s impossible to understand real world ramifications. She’s not a bad kid. I honestly believe that.”

“You’re more forgiving than I am,” Sophie said. “I wanted to smack her in the face when she asked you about your kidnapping.”

“Me, too,” Ally said. “Then, after you smacked her, I wanted to wrestle her down and pull her hair for good measure.”

Mandy giggled at Ally’s fierce expression. “You’re a really good friend. Actually, you’re both really good friends.”

“We’re not friends,” Ally corrected. “We’re sisters. All of us.”

“I’m not your sister yet,” Sophie pointed out.

“Yes, you are,” Mandy corrected. “It might not be official, but you’re already our sister.”

“Besides, given the way Grady has been acting, I’m guessing it’s going to be official soon,” Ally said. “He’s been conspiring with Mandy and James for a reason, and I doubt very much it’s because he wants to see Mandy’s new Jawesome panties.”

Mandy’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know about those?”

“I saw you show them to James.”

Mandy glanced around furtively. “Did anyone else see? James won’t find that funny.”

“I’m fairly certain you’re safe,” Ally said, smirking. “Come on. Let’s find the teenage drama queen and see what’s going on. I’m actually dying to know if Peterson is really a dirtbag or not.”